A state panel that oversees enforcement of Georgia's immigration laws has dismissed a complaint that the city of Vidalia is harboring illegal workers. The state Immigration Enforcement Review Board had appointed a subcommittee in June to look into accusations by Michael Dale Smith of Twin City.

Georgia's Immigration Enforcement Review Board has received a complaint that many city and county government agencies are not complying with a key part of the state's new anti-illegal immigration law. Government employers with two or more employees must file annual reports certifying they and their public works contractors are using the E-Verify system.

State officials are investigating a complaint that the city of Vidalia is operating a catch-and-release program for illegal immigrants. It's the first investigation authorized by the state's Immigration Enforcement Review Board. State lawmakers created the panel last year to look into citizen complaints about illegal immigration.

The city of Atlanta has asked a newly created state panel charged with ensuring that public employees and agencies comply with state laws on immigration to delay action on a complaint filed against the mayor and city council members.

Controversy flared last week over a Governor Deal appointment to the state’s new immigration enforcement panel. And there are concerns over its potential cost to municipalities. A portion of Georgia’s new immigration law creates the Immigration Enforcement Review Board, a seven-member panel appointed by state elected officials.

This week, controversy flared over a Governor Deal appointment to the state’s new immigration enforcement panel. And there are concerns from some over how the panel will go about its business. A portion of Georgia’s new immigration law creates the Immigration Enforcement Review Board—a seven member panel appointed by state elected officials.